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Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, creates and delivers real world solutions that support the Department of Energy’s goals for national energy security. We deliver new technologies that connect fundamental science to applications in areas such as energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, advanced separations, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen production and storage. We employ a systems perspective that includes discovery, technology development, and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization.

Responsibilities

Our expert staff provides multi-disciplinary solutions to complex energy and environmental issues. Key capabilities include science (chemical and mechanical). We employ a systems perspective that includes discovery technology development and scale-up, as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization. EP&MD focuses on three mission contributions: Energy Resiliency, Electricity Infrastructure, & Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

The Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group at PNNL is seeking a visionary and accomplished **Senior Scientist** to lead cutting-edge research in the development of **novel conductive metals** for advanced grid infrastructure. This role will drive new research supporting strategic initiatives at the intersection of materials science, nanotechnology, energy systems, and applied physics, with a focus on enabling transformative improvements in power grid and electric machines. This is an extraordinary opportunity to be part of a world-class, interdisciplinary research program that is pushing the envelope on next-generation composites manufacturing for a variety of technology applications. PNNL’s research in this area seeks to understand the underpinning physics of material evolution in polymers and metals with fillers/additives subjected to high strain at temperatures below melting during synthesis and to translate that understanding to application in a suite of scalable manufacturing platforms that can deliver materials and components with exceptional performance.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong track record of **scientific leadership, cross-disciplinary collaboration,** and **technology translation** , with experience in either academic research, industrial innovation, or national laboratory environments.

This position will be hands-on with SPP technologies such as friction extrusion and shear-assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE). The position holder will explore the relationship between processing conditions, microstructure, and performance. Development of material-and application-specific processing approaches, protocols, and parameters will be required. The successful candidate can expect to prepare manuscripts for publication, communicate research context and findings internally and externally, and develop new ideas for research.

The position holder will:

+ Lead and shape a research portfolio focused on ultra-conductive materials (e.g., ultra-conductors, superconductors, novel carbon-based metal systems) for grid, transportation, and infrastructure applications.

+ Develop and execute strategic research plans aligned with lab and national energy and manufacturing strategy priorities, and emerging grid modernization needs.

+ Mentor junior scientists and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and scientific excellence.

+ Build and sustain collaborations with academic institutions, industry partners, and government agencies.

+ Translate fundamental discoveries into scalable technologies through prototyping, testing, and techno-economic analysis.

+ Secure external funding through proposal development and stakeholder engagement.

+ Represent the organization in high-impact forums, including conferences, advisory panels, and technical working groups.

At the level of this Sr. Materials Scientist position, the expectations are that the researcher has developed a technical specialization within this domain and is working to grow their external reputation by advancing science and engineering principles and theories; developing innovative technical approaches to solve challenges; building a technical network within and external to PNNL; teaming with others to optimize research; and mentoring junior staff and students.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

+ BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant experience -OR-

+ MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant experience -OR-

+ PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Prior experience in industry R&D, academic research leadership, or national laboratory programs.

+ Familiarity with grid modernization challenges, energy transmission systems, and DOE or ARPA-E initiatives.

+ Experience with technology transfer, commercialization, or public-private partnerships.

+ Knowledge of computational materials design, AI/ML-driven discovery, or high-throughput experimentation.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected] .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $148,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $233,900.00/Yr.